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Thought for the Week

"The best things in life aren't things." Anon

Tuesday, 26 June 2012

Barrow’s Wildside – Springwatch Photography Competition

Why not take photos at Barrow Springwatch events and enter their photo competition www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/barrows-springwatch-photo-competition.html

Entry is completely FREE with great prizes for the best photos.
Three categories;

13 years and under (CAT 1)
14-17 years (CAT 2)
18 years and over (Cat 3)

Please submit digital images by email to  barrowspringwatch@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk – maximum size 10MB per email.

Please label your images with your name, address location of photo and category entered i.e. CAT 1, CAT 2 or CAT 3.

Closing date for entries is 9 July 2012. For more info ring 01229 471066.

Barrow AFC friendly dates announced

July
Saturday 7th v Furness Select 3pm
Tue Jul 10th v Workington 7.30pm (Chas Kendall Trophy First Leg)
Thursday 19th v Burnley 7pm
Saturday 21st v Carlisle United 3pm
Monday 23rd v Morecambe 7.45pm


August
Friday 3rd v Bolton Wanderers 7.30pm

Monday, 25 June 2012

Barrow’s Wildside – FREE Springwatch events

Making it wild at Ormsgill Quarry
Thurs 28 June 2012 12.30-4.30pm
Come along a lend a hand clearing footpaths, mending fences and clearing litter whilst looking at the wildlife at Ormsgill Quarry. Meet How Tun Wood car park on Cliff Lane GR: SD 203 718.

North Walney Beach Clean
Sat 30 June 10-12noon
Chance to do your bit and help turn the tide on the ugly and harmful litter found on the beach at North Walney. All equipment provided. Meet at West Shore/Earnse Bay car park GR: SD 171 698.

The amazing wildlife of South Walney Nature Reserve
Sun 1 July 2012 10.30-12.30pm
Guided walk looking at waders, wildfowl and mammals of the Cumbria Wildlife Trust nature reserve. Bring binoculars of you have them. Meet at the car park. GR: SD 215 620.

Woodland Survey Day at Park Rd Wood
Wed 4 July – 10.30-3.30pm
Meet car park in front of Furness Owls,
Park Rd.
Grid Ref, SD: 199 736

For further Barrow’s Wildside information contact Sue Thurley on 01229 471066 or at suet@cumbriawildifetrust.org.uk

Walking football comes to Barrow

 Walking football kicked off in Barrow last week with a round robin five a side session at Furness Building Society Stadium, Holker St. The session is part of an initiative to give over 50’s more options for exercise. Barrow AFC Community officer Craig Rutherford was pleased with the first session.
"It went really well. Everyone seemed to enjoy it. We hope everyone will come back next week and maybe bring some friends." The session was one of the healthy projects being promoted by the Barrow AFC Community Board. County Council officer and Community Board member Derek Brook said the session was ideal for over 50's who like football. "It's not that easy for us old folk to find healthy fun activities. With a bad back and a dodgy knee, I'm certainly not risking putting my boots on again! It's great of the club to open us to initiatives like this. Last time I played on here, I was still at school!  We've got another two sessions and then we'll see what people think. Hopefully we'll have enough interest to continue in some way."
The project is also being supported by Lancashire F.A. and Barrow Sports Council. The final two free taster session takes place on Tuesday 26 June and 3 July at 6pm at the Furness Building Society Stadium. Players should bring casual sports gear and trainers.

Friday, 22 June 2012

This weekend in Barrow why not ...


This weekend in Barrow why not ...- St James' Bells Open Days 22-24 June St James' Church, Blake St, Barrow. Learn about exciting project to restore church bells FREE.
- Go to Barrow Park Sun 24 June - Model Boat Charity Event (in aid of RNLI) 10-4pm at the Park lake.
- Barrow Foodbank coffee morning on Sat 23 June, 10-12am at Abbey Rd Baptist Church. All welcome and please bring friends!
- Barrow
Raiders at home Sunday 24 June v North Wales 3pm.
- It's National Markets Day - Sat, 23rd June Barrow Outdoor Market Portland Walk £10 a stall.
- Car Boot Sale, Barrow Town Hall Courtyard 23 June 10–4 pm £5 on day Stall Bookings Tel 01229 876389.
- Fire Fighters Charity Car Boot Sale 24 June 10am TummerHill Football Pitch Ocean Rd, £5 per car info from markducie@cumbria.gov.uk / 07809115040.
- Visit Furness Viking Hoard on display at Dock Museum.
- Visit Croftlands Trust Art Exhibition – the Forum, Duke St, Barrow.
- Visit '1950’s Barrow Exhibition' at the Dock Museum ... The Challenge Cup, Coronation, hairstyles, Teddy Boys … come and explore the fascinating 50’s. FREE ADMISSION.
- The Wildlife of North Walney National Nature Reserve Sat 23 June 1-4pm Meet West Shore/Earnse Bay car park GR: SD 171 698.
- Moth Trapping on Urban Sites Fri 22 June 10–12noon at Salthouse Pool. Parking available at Cavendish Dock car park. GR: SD 209 678.

Thursday, 21 June 2012

It's 'A Good Week'

 

It's 'A Good Week' is a global celebration of good.

You can find out more at http://www.agoodweek.com/

Thought for the Week

"Create all the happiness you are able to create; remove all the misery you are able to remove." Jeremy Bentham

HMIC Inspection report shows Cumbria is tackling Anti Social Behaviour

Cumbria Constabulary has continued to make progress in tackling anti social behaviour (ASB), Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) inspection has found (see national report below).

In Spring 2012 the HMIC checked on progress regarding how forces in England and Wales were tackling ASB and recognised how Cumbria Constabulary had continued to make improvements since 2010, when the way in which forces dealt with ASB was reviewed.

Since then, Cumbria Constabulary have refreshed their ASB strategy, which has shown good results in engagement with the public and clear communication which reinforced that tackling ASB was a priority for the force.

Due to the Constabulary’s proactive approach to tackling the issue, the last financial year saw reports of anti social behaviour fall by a massive 20.9 per cent – from 32,938 reported incidents in 10/11 to 26,058 in 11/12. This is a difference of 6880 fewer calls for service to police.

The HMIC surveyed victims about their experience of reporting ASB to the police, and inspecting the quality of the processes that forces use in tackling and responding to the problem.

Of the 200 people surveyed, who had reported ASB to Cumbria Constabulary during 2011, there was a 10% increase in the percentage of people who were satisfied with the information provided to the police following their call, with 66% satisfaction in 2012, compared to 56% in 2010.

Also Cumbria Constabulary was above the national average for people feeling that their call had made a difference to the problem, with 63%, compared to the national average of 55%.

Chief Superintendent Don Spiller said “ASB is taken seriously by Cumbria Constabulary and the review has enforced that we have gone from strength to strength in tackling the problems which are important for our local communities.

“We are constantly striving to make improvements in our processes at Cumbria Constabulary and the areas in which the HMIC review highlighted which required work had already been the recognised by the force and improvements are planned.

“Reviews such as these reinforce the hard work and dedication by Cumbrian police officers in tackling ASB, which remains one of our top priorities.”

Tuesday, 19 June 2012

Furness Viking Hoard on display until mid July at the Dock Museum

In Easter 2011 a locally-based metal detectorist made a very unexpected find: Viking treasure.

It is the first time that a significant amount of valuable Viking booty has been recovered from the Furness soil that indisputably links the area with the Norse mariners, and local history stands to be re-written as a result.

The hoard is on display for one month only.

The 92 silver coins and artefacts – among them ingots and one near-complete silver bracelet – have been examined by the British Museum. It is thought that the silver was put into the ground sometime around 955 AD when the Viking invaders had established footholds in the north of England.

Fire Fighters Charity Car Boot Sale - 24 June

The Fire Fighters Charity Car Boot Sale
24th June 2012 at 10am.
Tummer Hill Football Pitch, Ocean Road, Walney Island,
£5 per car. No need to book a place - just turn up on the day.
Further info from markducie@cumbria.gov.uk or 07809115040.

Barrow Foodbank Coffee Morning - 23 June

Barrow Foodbank Coffee Morning on
Saturday 23rd June, 10-12am
at Abbey Rd Baptist Church.
All welcome and please bring friends?

Police encourage everyone to continue to enjoy the England games responsibly

Police in Cumbria have seen an increase in people going out to watch England play in their local pubs, but everyone has been enjoying themselves and there have been no adverse incidents for the police to deal with.

Tonight (19 June 2012) England play Ukraine and police are encouraging everyone to enjoy the game responsibly and know their limits.

DCI Lee Johnson said “It has been great to see everyone going out to enjoy the game and have a good time with friends and family. We want this to continue and ask that everyone be responsible.

“We are also continuing to encourage anyone who is a victim of domestic violence to speak out and get advice from their local police officer or speak to someone at Let go. Unfortunately domestic violence can increase during football tournaments and we want to make sure that people are aware that there are agencies out there which will help them. Don’t suffer in silence.”

If you want to speak to someone about Domestic Violence, you can contact Cumbria Police on 101 or alternatively Let Go on 01229 582386 (South Cumbria) or email letgo@impacthousing.org.uk

Monday, 18 June 2012

Barrow’s Wildside – FREE Springwatch events in June

Moth Trapping on Urban Sites
Friday 22 June 2012 10–12noon.
Tonight is national Moth Night with a focus on Brownfield and post-industrial sites. This is a great opportunity to discover more about what moths are present in our local towns. This is a free event, run with the help of volunteers from the Butterfly Conservation.
Location: Salthouse Pool. Parking available at Cavendish Dock car park.  GR: SD 209 678.

The Wildlife of North Walney National Nature Reserve
Sat 23 June 2012 1-4pm
Join us for a guided walk and discover the wildlife of one of the best coastal nature reserves in Cumbria. Meet at West Shore/Earnse Bay car park GR: SD 171 698.

Making it wild at Ormsgill Quarry
Thurs 28 June 2012 12.30-4.30pm
Come along a lend a hand clearing footpaths, mending fences and clearing litter whilst looking at the wildlife at Ormsgill Quarry. Meet How Tun Wood car park on Cliff Lane GR: SD 203 718.

North Walney Beach Clean
Sat 30 June 10-12noon
Chance to do your bit and help turn the tide on the ugly and harmful litter found on the beach at North Walney. All equipment provided. Meet at West Shore/Earnse Bay car park GR: SD 171 698.

Friday, 15 June 2012

This weekend in Barrow why not ...


This weekend in Barrow why not ...

- Visit Furness Viking Hoard on display at Dock Museum, free admission

- Visit Croftlands Trust Art free Exhibition – the Forum, Duke St, Barrow

- Furness Bach Choir at St James’ Church, Blake St Performing HANDEL'S ‘JUDAS MACCABEUS’ Sat 16 June, 7.30 pm

- 'Dr Bike' from 10am until 2pm on Saturday 16th June at the Park Leisure Centre - get your bike checked out free ...

- Walney Fun Run - Sun 17 June

- 'An introduction to Identifying Trees in Summer' Sunday 17 June 1-3pm free guided walk, aimed at those with little knowledge of identifying trees in the summer. Meet at Mill Cafe car park, Furness Abbey. GR: SD 218 716

- '1950’s Barrow Exhibition' at the Dock Museum ... The Challenge Cup, Coronation, hairstyles, Teddy Boys … come and explore the fascinating 50’s, free admission.

There's loads more if you look! Have a great weekend all ...

Thursday, 14 June 2012

Land, Sea and the Spirit of the Furness Peninsula



The Churches Trust for Cumbria in partnership with local faith communities and with the support of English Heritage and the North-West Multi Faith Tourism Association have produced a full colour leaflet called 'Land, Sea and Spirit of the Furness Peninsula'.

The leaflet highlights 15 different faith sites whose existence is linked to the history of the Furness Peninsula. These structures were built to serve the spiritual needs of all the different settlers in this part of Cumbria and through these buildings we can understand how the area has been forged by a dynamic and fascinating relationship between the riches of the land, the potential of the sea and the strong spirituality of the people.
“Love is all we have, the only way that each can help the other.” Euripides 

Barrow’s Wildside – FREE Springwatch events

An introduction to Identifying Trees in Summer
Sunday 17 June 2012 1-3pm. Ever wondered if it's an Ash or an Oak? Come along and have the secrets of trees unlocked on this free guided walk, aimed at those with little knowledge of identifying trees in the summer months.
Location: Abbots Wood, Barrow. Meet at Mill Cafe car park, Furness Abbey. GR: SD 218 716.

Health and Wildlife
Tuesday 19 June 2012 11–12noon. A joint walk with Feet First in Furness as part of their healthy walking initiative. A gentle walk looking at the more common wildflower and birds to be found near the town centre.
Location: Ormsgill Reservoir, Barrow. Meet at Asda, the main entrance. GR: SD 192 702.

Appointment of independent person to oversee conduct of Barrow Borough councillors

From July 2012 Barrow Borough Councillors will operate under a new ethical standards system (including a new Code of Conduct) as a result of the Localism Act 2011. Before the Council decides to investigate an allegation that a Councillor has breached the new Member Code of Conduct it must first consult a person who is completely independent of the Council.
 
We are therefore looking for an independent person to advise the Council on matters relating to the conduct of Borough Councillors.
 
No salary is payable, but the Council will pay reasonable travelling and subsistence incurred in travel to meetings, which are held at Barrow Town Hall.
 
If you are interested in this new and important role please write a letter of application setting out the reasons why you want to apply and what skills and knowledge you feel you can contribute.
 
Send your submission to the Democratic Services Manager, Barrow Borough, Town Hall, Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 2LD or e-mail it to jwhuck@barrowbc.gov.uk.
 
Closing date: 29th June 2012.

Tuesday, 12 June 2012

Bringing Empty Homes in Barrow Island back into use

Barrow Borough Council has been allocated £3.4m from the Clusters of Empty Homes Fund to help bring empty properties back into use. This fund, totaling £60m across England, was set up to deal with neighbourhoods where more than 10% of properties are empty, and where at least 100 homes can be brought back into use. Barrow Island was selected for a bid as the only area in the Borough that met these criteria, and a bid was submitted to bring empty homes back into use amongst barrow Island flats. More detail on the fund can be found from the Homes and Communities Agency.

What will the funding be used for?
Barrow Island flats are all in private ownership and area rented out. A condition of the funding is that the government money has to be matched by investment from elsewhere. For Barrow Island, this match funding will come from the private owners, so the public investment will draw at least the same amount of private investment.

The bulk of the money will be used to work with the owners of the largest two property portfolios to accelerate a programme of refurbishment, to bring the properties back to a lettable condition. A programme of improvements to the environment around the flats will also take place, to improve the general appearance of the neighbourhood.

Barrow Council are currently working on the detail of this funding programme and will provide further information as it becomes available.

Monday, 11 June 2012

It's National Poop Scoop Week - be a responsible dog owner


Bag it, Bin it - clear up after your dog and keep our local community clean.

Some basic rules for responsible dog owners - please make sure you are one.

- Always carry something to clean up - a plastic bag or a ‘poop scoop’ device
- If you have a yard/garden, train your dog to go there and make sure you clean up straight away
- Don’t rely on the rain to wash it away
- Always respect your local authority’s rules on dog free areas, read the signs
- Never let your dog out alone to toilet
- Politely encourage guilty owners you meet to do their duty - simply offer   them one of your poo bags
- Remember to always wash your hands after your walk
- Dispose of poo bags in a dog poop bin or any public litter bin
- Hanging poo bags on tree branches is unacceptable
- Get your dog wormed regularly - ask your vet

For more information visit The Dogs Trust here.

Friday, 8 June 2012

Vulcan and Brathay Tenants and Residents Jubilee party


  
  MP John Woodcock opens the event

Face painting

The Deputy Mayor joins in the fun
Vulcan and Brathay Tenants and Residents Association held a successful Jubilee party at the weekend. The event was well attended and everyone had a great time despite some unpredicatable weather.

We here at Neighbourhood Management were happy to support the event. 

Barrow features in BBC documentary series

‎'A Great British Story - Furness Journey' is on BBC 1 North West on June 12 10.35pm. Featuring Barrow including the Dock Museum, BAE and Furness Abbbey.

Furness Bach Choir at St James', Barrow

FURNESS BACH CHOIR at St James' Church
Conductor: Anthony Milledge
Orchestra led by Jane Gleeson
Performing 'HANDEL'S JUDAS MACCABEUS'
Saturday 16th June, 7.30 pm
Tickets £12 (Students £6)
In advance from Sutton's Bookshop, Ulverston or call 01229 837680 or on the door.
Visit www.furnessbachchoir.org to find out more.

Thought for the Week

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." - Henry David Thoreau.

Walk to Piel Island - Sunday 10 June

Walk to Piel Island with John Murphy, Sunday 10th June meeting at Mr Elephant, Ocean Rd 10am for car convoy to Snab Point. Leave Snab Point 10.15am.

Police campaign urges victims to give Domestic Violence the Red Card

Cumbria Constabulary is focussing on tackling domestic violence during the European Cup by urging victims to give the violence a ‘red card’.

‘Give Domestic Violence the Red Card this European Cup’ is the message Cumbria Constabulary is sending to victims and offenders throughout the tournament. Historically, there has been an increase in domestic violence incidents, especially after high profile games.

Cumbria Constabulary is using the tournament to urge more victims and witnesses to report information to police and for offenders to think about their actions in an effort to prevent them.

DCI Lee Johnson, said “There is never an excuse for domestic violence and the European Cup does not give offenders any justification for their behaviour to fall below acceptable standards. – violence of any type simply will not be tolerated in Cumbria.”

“During this campaign we want to raise awareness of domestic abuse and highlight how victims, family members, witnesses, and others affected by violence can get in touch to seek help. The message ‘Give Domestic Violence the Red Card’ is impactive and straight forward. It raises awareness of the issue whilst sending a warning to violent offenders that they are being watched, and we will take positive action where possible.”

“Domestic violence is notoriously underreported so we are using this opportunity to encourage victims and witnesses to have the confidence to report incidents to us so we can help. This help could be through taking action against the offender or simply putting victims in touch with our partner agencies such as Victim Support and Let Go service to offer advice. Victims can be reassured to know that we have dedicated domestic abuse specialists and investigators within our Public Protection Units who will be on duty around the county during England matches to offer key support to those in need.”

 “Our advice to victims would be that if you are worried that you will be more at risk during the European Cup don’t wait - contact us with confidence by calling 101, alternatively for free, independent, confidential advice, contact the Let Go service who offer non-judgemental help and support, practical help and safe accommodation, whether or not you wish end the relationship."

“We want everyone to enjoy the European Cup and that includes ensuring that people are free of the fear of violence.”

“We also want to appeal to the offenders too; you can help by seeking out guidance and support to stop yourself from hurting your family. Think about your actions, if you feel angry or irate then walk away. Don’t hurt those people who love you.”


If you want to speak to someone about Domestic Violence, you can contact Let Go on 01228 633640 (North Cumbria), 01229 582386 (South Cumbria) or 01900 842991/2 (West Cumbria) or email letgo@impacthousing.org.uk.

Cumbria Constabulary asks everyone to enjoy the European Cup sensibly


Cumbria Constabulary is urging football fans to enjoy the European Cup sensibly and know their limits when drinking during the tournament in order to stay in control.

A campaign has been launched to run throughout the tournament to encourage people to stay in control, respect each other and make sure they have plans to get home safely.

Assistant Chief Constable Michelle Skeer said “We want people to enjoy themselves but be responsible for their own actions and behaviour. Know what your limits are and don’t exceed them because this is when people can potentially lose control.

“Nearly half of all violent incidents are alcohol related so, with numbers of football fans heading to our pubs to watch the matches expected to increase over the coming weeks, we have launched a campaign to remind people to keep hold of their senses.

“We will be taking a tough approach to disorder and running targeted high visibility patrols at key times throughout the competition to reassure local people and deal with disorder swiftly and robustly.

“We want people to remain in control and think about their actions, our advice is to walk away from any arguments or confrontation, a drunken argument or fight could end up in someone getting seriously hurt and destroy people’s lives.

Local pubs across the county have been sent some basic ‘does and don’ts’ to make sure they are prepared for the tournament, which include having enough bar staff and registered door staff but not to extend hours, let too many customers in or let under 18’s in.

ACC Skeer added “We want the pubs in our county to make sure that the football fans who are going out to enjoy the match do so in a safe and friendly environment. We have provided the pubs with basic advice which should remind them to be prepared for more people going out.

“People’s safety is our upmost priority and we want everyone to enjoy themselves but have regard for others.”

The Drink Drug Drive campaign starts on the 1st June 2012, Cumbria Police are encouraging friends and family that are going out to watch any match to take turns in being a designated driver.

ACC Skeer added “It is not worth the risk putting your life and the lives of others in danger to have a drink. We will not tolerate it and look to prosecute anyone who we catch driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs. We encourage everyone to get home safely and making a few arrangements before you go out could potentially save your life."

Friday, 1 June 2012

Cumbria Constabulary kicks off Summer drink and drug drive campaign

Cumbria Constabulary kicks off the summer drink and drug drink campaign today with the message 'take turns in being a designated driver, look after friends and family and they will look after you.'

There are a number of events taking place this month, with the Jubilee celebrations, European Football and Olympic torch relay and the police want people to enjoy the festivities but travel to and from the events safely and responsibly.

Inspector Andrew Wilkinson, from the Roads Policing Unit, said “We want people to have a good time, but don’t take any chances with travelling. People can organise to get public transport or a taxi when going home, but if this is difficult then make sure you have a designated driver.

“Organise a designated driver with friends and family and take turns. You can look after each other and still enjoy the events.

“Not everyone who is caught under the influence of either drink or drugs has been out socialising but a large percentage may have been. People need to be aware of the length of time alcohol can impair your judgement, with some drivers being over the legal limit the morning after drinking the night before.”

The month of June 2011 recorded a total of 1,071 breath tests  of which 79 proved positive and resulted in arrest - 20 arose from road collisions and 59 from positive police intervention.

During the June 2011 campaign, almost 75% of those arrested were arrested between the hours of 10.00pm–10.00am. However, 19 arrests were made between the hours of 6.00am and 10.00am, which is often referred to has the ‘morning after’.

This year officers from the Road’s Policing Unit also aim to use Field Impairment Tests more to detect those drivers who are under the influence of drugs. In 2011 there was an increase in the use of the test and of the six tests carried out, five people were arrested.

Inspector Wilkinson added, “Our aim is to utilise the field impairment test more, driving whilst under the influence of drugs impairs peoples driving and puts other people lives at risk.

“We are encouraging people to think about their night out, don’t just plan your outfit, plan how you will get home and make sure you have time to recover, don’t drive first thing in the morning.

"We will target those who choose to put their own lives of others in danger by driving under the influence of drink or drugs. Our aim is to educate people about the consequences of drink and drug driving and ask that the community continue to be vigilant against those who put lives in danger."